AS the Israeli military continues its murderous attack on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, protest and anger is spreading. More than 300 people had been killed by today, and hundreds more injured, in the Israeli air raids which have hit refugee camps and streets crowded with children coming from school, and destroyed the Gaza university.

Besides the F16s and helicopter gunships, Israeli tanks were today reported on the border, ready for all-out war on what is after all a largely defenceless civilian population, already suffering the effects of 18 months siege. In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Olmert announced the call-up of reservists.

Not only is the scale of the Israeli aggression well out of proportion to the rocket attacks by small Palestinian groups which were given as pretext; it reflects the fact that all through the Gaza truce which Hamas had with Israel the Israeli Defence Forces (sic) were preparing war. The rocket attacks on Sderot were simply used to psyche up the Israeli public for war, and try to con a gullible world - with the help of politicians like Barack Obama, all too willing to be 'gulled'."Six months of secret planning - then Israel moves against Hamas"http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/29/israel-attack-hamas-preparations-repercussions

The Israeli leaders have plainly counted on continued backing from the Western powers and acquiescence from Arab regimes, including Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. Israel's siege of Gaza was maintained with Egyptian participation on Gaza's southern border.

Despite the plan, demonstrations against the latest attack have taken place in Tel Aviv, where protestors marched on the Defence Ministry, and in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters. A big demonstration is planned in Amman, Jordan's capital.

In London, police attacked demonstrators who had blocked Kensington High Street outside the well-guarded Israeli embassy on Sunday. There have also been demonstrations in Rome and Milan, with a further demonstration planned in Naples .

Even in New York, a small group of Israelis, supporters of groups like Anarchists Against the Wall, Breaking the Silence, and Combattants for Peace, managed to get together a demonstration which grew to 2,000 outside their country's consulate in downtown Manhattan, on Sunday. Now they are joining with Palestinians, Arab Americans and others for a bigger demonstration this weekend.

Here are some details of more demonstrations due in Britain and North America, starting today:

BRADFORDMonday 29 December 2pm, Centenary Square. We will provide leaflets pleasebring placards, banners etc or bring with you marker pens and large sizepaper.

Tuesday 30 Dec CARDIFF12 to 1pm. Nye Bevan Statue, Queen Street

Saturday 3 Jan PORTSMOUTH11am, Guildhall Square.Organised by Portsmouth Network for a Just Settlement of the Arab-IsraeliConflict, and Portsmouth Stop the War Coalition'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''